Patriots bring in a defensive end for a free agency workout

Yesterday, the New England Patriots filled the temporarily vacant roster spot created by tight end Rob Gronkowski's one-game suspension. The team re-signed linebacker Jonathan Freeny, who played in New England during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Adding Freeny was the Patriots' lone roster move yesterday but not the only personnel-related action to take place.

According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, New England also brought defensive edge Cam Johnson in for a free agency workout:

Patriots had free-agent OLB/DE Cam Johnson in for a workout. Not the first time he's been in town this year, as team is keeping emergency lists updated.

Johnson originally entered the NFL as a seventh round draft selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. After one year with the team, the Virginia product was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. He spent the majority of the 2015 season with the Cleveland Browns before a quick stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016. Johnson returned to the Browns in 2016 but was released last August. He has been out of work since.

Over the course of his career, the 27-year old appeared in 30 games on both defense and special teams. When on the field, he registered a total of 3.0 sacks, 37 tackles on defense and an additional seven in the kicking game. This versatility might be intriguing for a Patriots team that has lost core special teamer Nate Ebner to a season-ending injury and is also relatively light on the defensive edge.

Still, as things stand right now, seeing Johnson get signed to the Patriots' roster – especially considering that a roster move will have to be made once Gronkowski returns from suspension – is a long-shot.